Philadelphia Union to Host Various Community Events in Deltona and Surrounding Areas, Feb. 9-23

Events include kids clinics, school visits and more; Full game schedule also announced for Disney Pro Soccer Classic Tournament

December 13, 2012 – Philadelphia Union will host a variety of community events in and around the Deltona area during the club’s 2013 Pre Season training, February 9-23, the club announced today. Events such as kids’ clinics, a chance to train with the Union First Team, open practices and a scrimmage will all take place at the Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex. Union players will also visit select elementary and middle schools. In addition to a scrimmage, the club will also compete against six other Major League Soccer, USL and NASL clubs in the 2013 Disney Pro Soccer Classic Tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World.

The six MLS teams participating in Central Florida Soccer Spring Training, as well as Orlando City Soccer Club and the Tampa Bay Rowdies will compete in two weeks of group play, with Group A consisting of Orlando City, Philadelphia Union, Toronto FC and Columbus Crew. Teams in Group B include the Tampa Bay Rowdies, D.C. United, Montreal Impact and Sporting Kansas City with four (4) games on February 9th, 13th, 16th and 23rd.

“Our Deltona family is extremely honored that Philadelphia Union has chosen to make the City of Deltona their Pre-Season training facility, said Deltona Mayor John Masiarczyk. “We are very proud of our excellent soccer facilities and sincerely appreciate the Union recognizing all that Deltona has to offer. We welcome all fans of Philadelphia Union to our great City and look forward to a terrific season for the Union and a long-term partnership between the Union and the City of Deltona!”

Clinics for kids will be held on Feb. 10 and 18, giving young fans the opportunity to watch one hour of First Team practice, meet the players and then compete in an hour of skills competitions and drills. On Feb. 20, the Union will scrimmage against an opponent to be decided later at the Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex at 6 pm.

The Union are also offering a Train With The Pros clinic on February 14, which allows fans to learn from members of the Union First Team and Technical staff. Participants will be given a full kit and run through various drills and exercises during a 90 minute practice session.

On Feb. 15, the Union will host another MLS Team at Jacksonville’s EverBank Field, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. There will be a free youth clinic at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the box office at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena and online at Ticketmaster.com.

"The Philadelphia Union holding their Pre-Season schedule in Deltona is a game-changer for the entire community,” said Nick Conte, Jr., Executive Director of the Deland Area Chamber of Commerce & Orange City Alliance. “You begin to see that sports mean business - and positive economic development - in West Volusia. Just like their 'unity' team namesake, the team is ready to work hard in the area to bring together the resident and business community in the pursuit of building a stronger foundation for our youth population - and to provide us with world class exposure as a sports-friendly regional partner."

Open to all ages, the Union are offering special packages to fans who want to be part of the action up close and personal,and cheer on the team. Packages start at $165 per person and include such amenities as a welcome reception with the players, a Chalk Talk session, open practice and a BBQ with the team following practice and tickets to a Union match in the Disney World Pro Soccer Classic.

Travelers can partake in everything Central Florida has to offer with special Disney Property and Orlando Area Property packages that include hotel stays, ground transportation and access to Walt Disney World.

*The full list of events and Union game schedule for the 2013 are listed below, however, Times, Date and Scrimmage opponent are subject to change. Keep visiting www.philadelphiaunion.com for the most up to date information

Philadelphia Union will host a skills clinic for children in the Deltona Community. Kids will be given the chance to improve their skills by running through various drills with Philadelphia Union Staff.

Monday, February 11, 2013

School Visit: A Philadelphia Union Player will be visiting Deltona Schools during their Preseason Training. The Union Player will discuss the importance of making good choices and academic success with the students.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

1:00 p.m. Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew

Thursday, February 14, 2013

10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. “Train With the Pros”

Dream of playing for the Philadelphia Union? This year Philadelphia Union launches their Inaugural Train with the Pros day. Train alongside Union players for the day. Improve your skills by running through various drills and conditioning routines. To register for this event Click Here.

The Philadelphia Union will play a match at Everbank Field as a part of Preseason Training. Fans participating in the Preseason Fan Trip are invited to attend the match. (Transportation will be provided.) Any fans interested in attending the match on their own should visit ticketmaster.com.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

3:00 p.m. Philadelphia Union vs. Toronto FC

Sunday, February 17, 2013

10:00 a.m. Open Practice (BBQ at 12 p.m.)

It's all about you at a fan focused open practice at Dewey O. Boster Complex. Technical staff will be hosting a chalk talk, an in depth questions and answer session for fans who attend. Watch practice and then spend time with the team at a BBQ lunch after practice.

Keystone Sports and Entertainment, LLC, is the ownership group of Philadelphia Union led by CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. The group launched the Philadelphia Union's inaugural season on March 25, 2010 and opened PPL Park on June 27, 2010. Since joining the MLS the Union have faced off against European powers Celtic FC, Manchester United, Everton, Real Madrid, Schalke 04, Aston Villa and Mexican power Chivas de Guadalajara. PPL Park holds approximately 18,500 seats and has hosted various events such as the 2012 MLS All-Star Game, USWNT vs China, 2012 Army/Navy Soccer Cup, 2012 Big East Men’s Soccer Championship and 2011 and 2012 USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championships. Scheduled events in 2013 at PPL Park include the 2013 NCAA Men’s College Cup.For more information about
Philadelphia Union, visit www.philadelphiaunion.com